SETA’s under review – November 2016

A member of the NCOP asked the Deputy President whether it is viable to have the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) and the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA) as separate entities, in light of the plans for a single public service.

The Deputy President said because SETAs have such a significant impact on the development of the country’s human capital, it was important that sufficient attention be given to their design, mandate and operations.

“The Minister for Higher Education and Training [Dr Blade Nzimande] is responsible for making a determination as to the viability, number and economic classification of SETAs. The SETA landscape is currently being reviewed by the Department of Higher Education and Training. This review will take into account the potential impact of a single public service,” he said.

The Deputy President said in so doing, consideration will need to be given not only to the sheer size of the public service in all spheres of government, but also to the variety of functions, responsibilities and skills requirements.

“It must be remembered that SETAs are expected to keep a close link to those enterprises that contribute to their levy income and whose training needs they are meant to serve.

“If this constituency base is too large or diverse, there is a great possibility that it will neglect some while seeking to serve others.

Against this backdrop, the regulating department has indicated that it does not immediately intend to merge these two SETAs.

“However, there is every intention to increase cooperation between them,” he said.